The Band
Mouhanad “Noody” Hammami, Vocals and Guitars
Imad Nouri, Vocals and Guitar
Raouf Seifeldin, Oud
Coming Together
Mazaj officially came together as a group with its own musical style in 2004. It was when guitarists Imad Nouri and Mouhanad HammamiI whose musical paths have crossed with several previous projects met oud player Raouf Seifeldin and started experimenting together. Raouf’s oud was exactly the flavor Mazaj needed in its music. Shortly after that the three became Mazaj. Since then the band have had many musicians join or play as guests at concerts. But it is fair to say that it is those three that make up the band not to discount their long collaboration with producer Rafik Seifeldin who has been instrumental in giving Mazaj its trademark sound.
The Mood
The word “Mazaj” in Arabic means mood and it is very befitting to describe Mazaj's style. Their music covers many styles and moods and draws from members' musical influences and backgrounds. Mazaj is not a fusion band nor a traditional Arabic band. When you listen to their music, you can feel a touch of folk, rock, jazz and blues. This reflects their past experiences and the music each one of the band members was exposed to. This combination of east and west, the marriage between the guitars and oud and mixing traditional chords with progressive beats is what makes the Mazaj sound.